HIGH VIBES 20113 Nov - 28 Nov

Ghana's most exciting music festival returns in November 2011 with an innovative programme bringing together iconic performers such as Courtney Pine, UK's No.1 Jazz Artist, the legendary Black Santiagos, and Carleen Anderson. And for the first time in Ghana, the High Life Super Band featuring legends such as Pat Thomas, A.B. Crentsil and George Darko.

Origins

The iconic image of a head - phoned person on 'high vibes' used on the festival's publicity materials and concert backdrops... [read more]

The iconic image of a head - phoned person on 'high vibes' used on the festival's publicity materials and concert backdrops has come to symbolize an innovative festival that is fast establishing itself as a refreshing component of Accra's cultural and entertainment landscape. The possibility of establishing High Vibes as a major annual music festival in West Africa has been given a significant boost by the success of the previous editions.

History

Last year, High Vibes featured over 180 leading African artists. Most like King Mensah (Togo), Tony Allen (Nigeria) and Ambolley (Ghana) have enjoyed long distinguished careers but audiences were pleasantly surprised by sensational newcomers such as Kae Sun, Agorsor, Kwame Yeboah and Degg J Force 3. Throughout the festival, appreciative audiences applauded high quality live music, reinforcing High Vibes trademark for 'taking great music to the people!'

The Impact of High Vibes

One of our goals with the festival is to support Ghana's music industry through an annual festival that presents the best live music and creates a positive culture around musical entertainment. We believe that this can impact positively on a vibrant city such as Accra through the enhancement of jobs and business opportunities within the creative industries. Another major goal is to reach out to an audience who would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the high pedigree of artists and music that High Vibes presents. For that reason, we are particularly attentive to increasing the profile of the festival amongst the general public. The high numbers registered at the festival's open air events are particularly encouraging in this respect. The festival's focus on live music is hugely popular and much appreciated.

The Producers

Creative Storm is led by Dr. Kwesi Owusu, with a long list of event staging credits, at Independence Square, including "the 16 hour long Standing Tall Against Poverty" concert in 2005 with Salif Keita, Mahotella Queens, Seun Kuti, Eric Wainaina, Ofori Amponsah, Mac Tontoh, CK Mann, and leading Ghanaian performers. Creative Storm also staged the memorable John Legend concert at Independence Square in 2007. Creative Storm are also organisers of the annual Environmental Film Festival of Accra.

Pidgen Music is led by Panji Anoff, one of Ghana's leading music producers . Panji has been central to the development of Ghanaian music since the 1990's and managed artists such as Reggie Rockstone, Talking Drums, King Ayisoba and Wanlov the Kubolor. He produced the first edition of High Vibes and its hugely successful predecessor, Culture Caravan in 2009.